KUCHING: The Sarawak government has no plans to change the state’s name to “Sarawak Darul Hana”, Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said.
“This issue is being played up by PAS. Whatever PAS wants to say, let them. But there is no attempt (by the GPS government) to use the term ‘Sarawak Darul Hana’.
“PAS has purposely created this issue because they have no other problems with the state government,” Abang Johari told reporters.
The use of the suffix “Darul Hana” by PAS has triggered objections from the people and several local NGOs.
“What we have now is only Jambatan Darul Hana and Kampung Darul Hana,” added Abang Johari after he officiated at the Padawan Municipal Council’s 24th anniversary and launched the “Ring Ladies” mural at Kota Padawan here today.
Abang Johari said it was no easy task changing the state name to Sarawak Darul Hana as this had to go through the state assembly for approval.
Yesterday, PAS state commissioner Jofri Jaraiee said “Darul Hana” was used during the rule of Sultan Tengah from 1627 to 1657 and the term meant a harmonious and safe place for everyone.
Five local NGOs have issued a statement stating the continued use of the “Darul Hana” term could disrupt racial and religious harmony in the state.
It was signed by Dayak Think Thank Association deputy president Edward Awan, Dayak National Congress president Paul Raja, Sarawak Iban Association president Samuel Suring, Persatuan Balang Balai Nyabong president Mengga Mikui, and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association Miri secretary Rafael Dru.
The NGOs wanted PAS and other groups to immediately cease using the term “Sarawak Darul Hana”.
They claimed using “Darul Hana” when describing Sarawak was an attempt to change the state’s identity from a secular state to one based on religion.
On the upcoming state elections, Abang Johari said they had earlier made plans to hold it this year but it had to be delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our government is a responsible one. People’s safety comes first and so we have to delay it.
“I still do not know when it is going to be held,” he said when reporters prompted him asking whether it will be held in February or March next year.